can be lower

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be lower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of something being at a reduced level or amount. Example: "The temperature can be lower during the winter months compared to summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The new calculation means future contributions can be lower.

The New York Times

Doubles start at 220 euros; Internet prices can be lower.

The New York Times - Travel

Their diameter can be lower than 10 nm.

Microelectronic Engineering

The rake depends on the stakes, which can be lower than those at physical casinos.

The New York Times - Tech

"They shed snow easily and can be lower priced than metal shovels," he said.

The New York Times

It can mean the size of your flood defences can be lower.

The Guardian

As a result, combustion temperatures can be lower, so emissions of nitrogen pollutants are negligible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But the cycle life of new materials can be lower than graphite or hard carbon.

MIT Technology Review

Children are generally covered on family plans until the age of 18, although benefit payouts for children can be lower.

The Guardian - Money

"They are going to sell directly from the factory to the customer, so their prices can be lower," he said.

The New York Times

Anthracite, on the other hand, can be lower in sulfur, but it's very hard on the teeth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be lower", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared. For example, "The price can be lower than expected."

Common error

Avoid using "can be lower" without specifying a clear point of comparison. Ambiguity can arise if it's not clear what the subject is being compared to. Always provide context to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be lower" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a possibility or potential for something to be at a reduced level. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, suggesting a conditional state. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be lower" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to express the potential for reduction or decrease. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared. Alternatives like ""could be less"" or ""may be reduced"" can offer subtle shifts in meaning. Remember to avoid ambiguity and provide adequate context for clear communication. The phrase is very common in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be less

Replaces "can" with "could", indicating a slightly weaker possibility.

may be reduced

Uses "may" instead of "can", suggesting a possibility, and replaces "lower" with the passive verb "reduced".

might be smaller

Substitutes "can" with "might", implying a weaker likelihood, and "lower" with "smaller".

could decrease

Replaces the entire phrase with a modal verb and a verb suggesting a downward change.

may diminish

Replaces the entire phrase with a modal verb and a verb suggesting a gradual reduction.

might depreciate

Replaces the entire phrase with a modal verb and a verb suggesting a reduction in value.

are able to be reduced

Emphasizes the ability to reduce something, using a more complex structure.

have the potential to decline

Focuses on the potential for something to decrease, using more formal language.

can experience a reduction

Uses a more verbose construction to express the possibility of something being lowered.

can undergo a lessening

Employs more formal and less common vocabulary to convey a similar meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "can be lower" in a sentence?

Use "can be lower" to indicate that something has the potential to be at a reduced level or amount compared to something else. For example, "The cost "can be lower" if you buy in bulk."

What are some alternatives to "can be lower"?

Alternatives include "could be less", "may be reduced", or "might be smaller", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify what something "can be lower" than?

While not always grammatically required, providing a point of comparison clarifies the meaning and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "The risk "can be lower"", say "The risk "can be lower" with proper precautions."

What's the difference between "can be lower" and "will be lower"?

"Can be lower" indicates a possibility, while "will be lower" suggests a certainty or a prediction. "The price "can be lower" during the sale" implies it might happen, while "The price will be lower during the sale" asserts it will definitely happen.